Updated August 22, 2025
Do you dream about starting your own business? Can anyone become an entrepreneur?
When you look at the research, there are certain aptitudes, personality traits and business skills that tend to make you a more successful entrepreneur. But can you learn these skills? Or are these innate abilities that some entrepreneurial people are just born with?
Let's take a look at what makes a good entrepreneur in 2025.
What drives someone to become an entrepreneur?
According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), there are now well over 600 million entrepreneurs worldwide, with the number continuing to grow each year. But what drives these people to start their businesses? And why do so many reject the traditional path of a career as an employee in someone else's company or organisation? On the whole, it still comes down to three core drivers: freedom, passion and opportunity.
- Being their own boss – More than half of entrepreneurs cite the freedom of being in charge as their main motivation, stepping away from traditional employment structures.
- Pursuing their passion – Many entrepreneurs start businesses in industries or niches they are personally passionate about, turning interests into income streams.
- Taking advantage of an opportunity – Others are driven by spotting market gaps or emerging trends and seizing the chance to build something new.
The particular motivations which drive someone to found their own company are different for each person. But a desire for freedom and opportunity very often sit at the heart of the decision.
What are the key traits of a successful entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurs crave freedom and have a passion for grasping opportunities and turning them into workable and profitable business models. But are there specific character traits that make you more likely to take this entrepreneurial leap?
Every entrepreneur is unique, but some general characteristics are consistently found among successful business founders.
Many entrepreneurs will have:
- Visionary mindset – the ability to envision future opportunities, set ambitious goals and develop a clear direction for their ventures.
- Resilience – bouncing back from failures, persevering through challenges and maintaining a positive outlook in difficult times.
- Adaptability – flexibility and openness to change, helping them adjust strategies and business models to evolving markets and technologies.
- Risk-taking propensity – a willingness to take calculated risks, which is crucial for seizing opportunities and driving innovation.
- Strong leadership skills – inspiring and motivating teams, communicating vision clearly and making sound decisions in dynamic business environments.
- Digital literacy – in today’s landscape, entrepreneurs need to be confident in using digital tools, from cloud platforms to AI-driven analytics, to stay competitive.
- Sustainability focus – modern entrepreneurs increasingly build businesses that balance profit with social and environmental responsibility.
Talk to us about boosting your entrepreneurial skills
Does this sound like a description of you? Perhaps you relish the possibility of taking a calculated risk as an owner but feel your leadership skills are somewhat lacking. Or maybe you have an immense vision for your business but find it difficult to deal with the highs and lows.
Whatever your current entrepreneurial skill set, we can work with you to refine and boost your abilities as a business leader. Working with a business mentor not only helps you push yourself to do better but also lightens the load of being the sole captain of the ship.
Get in touch to talk about business mentoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone become an entrepreneur?
Yes, anyone with the right mindset and willingness to learn can become an entrepreneur. While some people may naturally have traits like resilience or leadership, others can develop these skills through experience, training, and business mentoring.
What are the most important traits of a successful entrepreneur?
Successful entrepreneurs typically share key traits such as vision, resilience, adaptability, leadership, and a willingness to take calculated risks. In today’s world, digital literacy and a sustainability mindset are also becoming increasingly important.
How can I improve my entrepreneurial skills?
You can improve entrepreneurial skills by seeking guidance from experienced mentors, investing in business training, and continuously adapting to market changes. Practical experience, networking, and learning from both successes and failures are invaluable.
Is risk-taking essential for entrepreneurship?
Yes, but it doesn’t mean reckless decisions. Successful entrepreneurs take calculated risks, weighing potential challenges against opportunities. This ability to manage uncertainty often separates thriving entrepreneurs from struggling ones.
Why do most entrepreneurs start their own business?
Common motivations include the freedom of being their own boss, pursuing a personal passion, or seizing a unique opportunity in the market. Research shows freedom and flexibility are among the strongest drivers for business owners worldwide.